‘Rest in peace to the greatest’: Co-founder of iconic ‘60s band dies at 82
Brian Wilson — a co-founder of the iconic rock band The Beach Boys — has died. He was 82 years old.
Wilson's death was announced by his family via the musician's official Instagram on Wednesday, June 11.
"We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away. We are at a loss for words right now," the family wrote. "Please respect our privacy at this time as our family is grieving. We realize that we are sharing our grief with the world. Love & Mercy."
A cause of death was not revealed.
The post was flooded with empathetic comments from fans and fellow musicians alike.
"Favourite producer & composer of all time. Pushed the boundaries further than anyone had before," electronic duo Disclosure commented. "Lost for words. We love you Brian. Rest in peace to the greatest."
Born on June 20, 1942 in Inglewood, California, Wilson formed The Beach Boys in 1961 with his two younger brothers — Dennis and Carl — alongside cousin Mike Love and school friend Alan Jardine .
Serving as the group's primary songwriter, Wilson penned dozens of The Beach Boys' biggest hits such as "Surfin' U.S.A." "God Only Knows," "I Get Around," "Help Me, Rhonda" and "Good Vibrations."
His efforts — along with the rest of the band — helped the Beach Boys revolutionize the "California sound" of the 1960s, sell more than 100 million records worldwide and have 37 songs reach the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 — the most by any American band — with four reaching No. 1.
The Beach Boys were ranked 12th on Rolling Stone's list of the greatest artists of all time while the band's founding members were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.
Outside the Beach Boys, Wilson wrote hit songs for other artists (including Jan and Dean's 1963 single "Surf City") and released 12 solo albums. Rolling Stone reported last year that Wilson's forthcoming country album, which had been locked away since 1970s, would be released "at some point in 2025."
The music legend struggled with dementia toward the end of his life, according to his family who placed Wilson in a conservatorship last May, People reported .
Wilson's family filed for a conservatorship in February 2024 , shortly after Wilson's wife, Melinda Ledbetter Wilson, died at 77 in January.
Wilson struggled with drug abuse and a number of mental health issues , including auditory hallucinations, throughout his life and career. He stopped touring with the Beach Boys in the late 1960s (returning only briefly in the 1970s and 2010s) and was later diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder.
Wilson toured with on his own and with various bands in recent years. His final concert was at the Pine Knob Music Theatre in Clarkston, Michigan, on July 26, 2022.
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